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Recently diagnosed - struggling

illustrated.lady

Hello!

I'm new here, I was diagnosed with 'high functioning autism' about 5 weeks ago, I just got my diagnostic report on Sunday.

I'm a 32 year old woman and never felt like I fit in, like I didn't connect with people and being around people drained me, sure, I can mask and say the right things and smile but it's all an act. I've always had issues in jobs and have had attendance issues and sick leave for stress in every job I've had. I've been on anti-depressants for ten years.

The diagnosis makes so much sense and I hope it will eventually allow me to be easier on myself and not so harsh on myself for struggling with things. I do feel like I'm struggling to come to terms with the diagnosis, it's a relief in some ways that there's a reason for my behaviors but it's also like....I don't know how to manage. I don't know how to get out of this cycle of stress and overwhelm and as I'm sure we're all aware, there's no support for autistic adults.

If you've read all of this then I sincerely thank you. I feel quite alone. 

Parents

  • Hello and welcome to the 'Latelings' club.

    I was diagnosed in my fifties and had masked all my life trying to fit in. It has been difficult trying to peel back the layers of masking until I can no longer tell what is mask and what is me.

    This is only the start of your autism life so remember to be kind to yourself as you are not broken but only different.

    Disclosing to an employer is risk only you can decide on. In my case it did not go well. My manager has used it as an excuse to move me out of my field of work after 30 years based on bias and ableist stereotypical views. However not all are like that.

Reply

  • Hello and welcome to the 'Latelings' club.

    I was diagnosed in my fifties and had masked all my life trying to fit in. It has been difficult trying to peel back the layers of masking until I can no longer tell what is mask and what is me.

    This is only the start of your autism life so remember to be kind to yourself as you are not broken but only different.

    Disclosing to an employer is risk only you can decide on. In my case it did not go well. My manager has used it as an excuse to move me out of my field of work after 30 years based on bias and ableist stereotypical views. However not all are like that.

Children